USDCAD experienced a volatility jump at 1:30 pm BST today, following release of data from the United States and Canada. US durable goods orders data for March was expected to show month-over-month increases in headline and core orders, while Canadian retail sales report for February was expected to show retail sales little changed compared to January.

Actual data turned out to be mixed. Canadian retail sales missed expectations while headline US durable goods orders beat expectations. On the other hand, core US durable goods orders growth turned out to be slightly weaker than expected, but still positive. Release can be seen as USD-positive and CAD-negative, and therefore a jump on USDCAD should not come as a surprise.

US, durable goods order for March

  • Headline: 2.6% MoM vs 2.5% MoM expected (1.3% MoM previously)
  • Ex-transport: 0.2% MoM vs 0.3% MoM expected (0.3% MoM previously)

Canada, retail sales for February

  • Headline: -0.1% MoM vs +0.1% MoM expected (-0.3% MoM previously)
  • Ex-autos: -0.3% MoM vs 0.0% MoM expected (+0.5% MoM previously)

USDCAD jumped following release of US and Canadian data today. Pair broke above 1.3690 resistance zone and is now testing 1.3700 mark.

Source: xStation5